The Power of Trusting Your Gut: Harnessing Your Instincts for Better Decisions

By Deborah Holmen, M.Ed., NBCT (ret), CLC

When I first began ghostwriting for leaders and wellness experts, I quickly discovered that the most compelling stories and strategies are born from deep intuition. Facts and data have their place, but it’s our instincts that often guide us through the most complex narratives and decisions. Over the years, I’ve developed a process that weaves together research, empathy, and a confident, authentic voice. This approach has allowed me to take on a select number of premium ghostwriting projects each year, each tailored to my client's unique voice.

If you’re curious about how your own instincts can shape your work and your life, I invite you to read on. And if you’d like to see how this translates into writing that truly resonates, you’re welcome to book a 20-minute fit call with me. I take on only a few projects annually to ensure each story receives the attention it deserves.

Why Trusting Your Instincts Matters in Leadership and Wellness

Leadership and wellness are fields filled with complexity. You’re constantly balancing data, expert advice, and the human element. This is where trusting your instincts becomes invaluable. It’s not about ignoring the facts, but about integrating them with your inner compass.

Here’s why it matters:

• Speed and Clarity: Sometimes, you don’t have the luxury of analyzing every detail. Your instincts help you cut through the noise and act decisively.

• Authenticity: Decisions rooted in intuition tend to align with your values and vision, making your leadership more genuine.

• Resilience: Intuition can alert you to subtle risks or opportunities that logic alone might overlook, helping you navigate uncertainty.

I once worked with a wellness expert who was unsure about a new treatment approach. Despite promising research, her instincts told her it wasn’t right for her audience. Together, we created content that honored her authentic voice and concerns. The result? Her clients felt seen, and engagement soared.

Trusting instincts in a peaceful natural setting

How I Use Instincts to Craft Market-Ready Books and Content

Ghostwriting is more than arranging words on a page. It’s about capturing the heart of someone’s story and expertise. My process honors this by blending:

• Voice-matching: I take time to understand your tone, style, and personality, ensuring the writing sounds unmistakably like you.

• Clarity: I make complex ideas accessible, without sacrificing depth.

• Research-backed insights: I support your authority with credible sources, but never let research overshadow your story.

• For authors who share lived experiences, I approach delicate topics with care and respect.

• Human touch: While I use technology for organization, every word is crafted with intention and heart.

This approach ensures your book or content isn’t just ready for the market—it’s ready to make an impact.

What Does It Mean to Trust Your Gut?

Trusting your gut is more than a hunch or a guess. Neuroscience tells us our brains process information on many levels, including subconscious cues that shape our decisions.

• Gut feelings are quick judgments, often based on past experiences and patterns.

• They can show up as physical sensations—a flutter in your stomach or a sense of calm.

• Trusting your gut means listening to these signals and weighing them alongside rational thought.

For example, a client once faced a difficult publishing decision. Her gut told her to pause, even though others urged her to move forward. That pause led to a better contract and a stronger launch.

Trusting your gut is about balance—honoring your intuition without dismissing logic.

Practical Tips to Strengthen Your Instincts

You can sharpen your instincts with practice. Here are a few ways to start:

1. Slow down and listen: Give yourself moments of quiet to tune into your inner voice.

2. Journal your decisions: Write down your initial feelings and the outcomes. Patterns will emerge, building your confidence.

3. Seek diverse input: Listen to others, but filter their advice through your own values and experience.

4. Practice mindfulness: Meditation and reflection can heighten your awareness of subtle cues.

5. Trust small decisions: Start with low-stakes choices to build trust in your instincts.

With time, your gut will become a trusted partner in both your personal and professional life.

Journaling to strengthen instincts and decision-making

Bringing It All Together: Your Next Step

If you’re ready to harness the power of your instincts in your writing and leadership, I’m here to help. My premium ghostwriting service is designed for leaders, founders, clinicians, and lived-experience authors who want their stories told with clarity, empathy, and authority.

Here’s how we’ll work together:

• Initial fit call: A 20-minute conversation to understand your goals and see if we’re a good match.

• Tailored proposal: A clear plan outlining scope, timeline, and approach.

• Collaborative process: Regular check-ins to ensure your voice shines through.

• Final delivery: Market-ready content that positions you as a thought leader.

I take on only a handful of projects each year to maintain quality and focus. If this sounds like the right fit, book your 20-minute fit call today.

Your story deserves to be told with confidence and care. Let’s make it happen.